The Enduring Bloom: Unearthing the History of Van Lierop Bulb Farm in Puyallup

In the fertile embrace of the Puyallup Valley, where the majestic silhouette of Mount Rainier often graces the horizon, the vibrant colors of spring once spoke volumes about the enduring legacy of Van Lierop Bulb Farm. Founded in 1934 by Simon Van Lierop and his wife Beatrice, this farm became a beloved symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage, painting our Pacific Northwest landscapes with beauty for nearly eight decades.

The Pioneering Spirit: Planting the First Seeds of a Legacy

Driven by the promise of rich soil and a climate conducive to bulb cultivation, Simon and Beatrice Van Lierop embarked on a journey to establish their roots in the Puyallup Valley. Arriving with a deep understanding of bulb cultivation, likely hailing from a region with a strong floricultural tradition, they poured their hearts and hands into transforming the fertile land. Imagine the early days, the meticulous work of preparing the soil, the careful planting of each bulb – a testament to their vision of a future blooming with color.

A Family’s Dedication: Nurturing Growth Through Generations

Van Lierop Bulb Farm blossomed into a true family enterprise, with subsequent generations carrying the torch of their founders’ passion. Neil Van Lierop, a fifth-generation bulb and flower grower, eventually took over the farm from his father, Simon, demonstrating the deep-rooted commitment to this family legacy. For decades, the farm thrived under their stewardship, becoming synonymous with quality bulbs and the breathtaking spectacle of the annual spring bloom. The rhythm of the seasons dictated their lives, a cycle of planting, nurturing, and the grand reward of fields awash in color.

Witnessing the Valley in Bloom: A Cherished Community Tradition

For generations, the blooming fields of Van Lierop Bulb Farm were a highlight of the Pacific Northwest spring. The seemingly endless rows of vibrant tulips, the cheerful daffodils, and the elegant irises created a visual symphony that drew locals and visitors alike. An annual drive through the blooming fields became a cherished tradition, a vibrant reminder of nature’s beauty and the agricultural heart of the Puyallup Valley.

The End of an Era: Closure and a New Beginning (2013)

However, after nearly eighty years of cultivating beauty, the chapter of Van Lierop Bulb Farm as we knew it came to a close in 2013. This marked the end of an era for a family deeply intertwined with the land and the floral landscape of the region.

A New Bloom: Farm 12 and the Legacy Continues in a Different Form

While the fields no longer produce the vast carpets of bulbs, the story of the land took an interesting and community-focused turn. The property was later purchased by Step By Step, a local nonprofit organization. In a creative repurposing of the land and its agricultural heritage, Step By Step established Farm 12, a restaurant and event space on the site of the former bulb farm.

This transformation represents a new way for the community to connect with the land. Farm 12 not only offers a dining experience but also serves as a venue for events, potentially incorporating elements of the site’s history and the agricultural spirit of the valley. It’s a fascinating evolution, where the legacy of the land continues in a different, yet still community-oriented, form.

Remembering the Blooms, Embracing the Future:

While the vibrant fields of Van Lierop bulbs may be a cherished memory for many, the story of the land doesn’t end there. The establishment of Farm 12 by Step By Step signifies a new chapter, one that continues to engage the community with the site, albeit in a different way. It serves as a reminder of the rich agricultural history of the Puyallup Valley and the potential for land to evolve and serve the community in new and meaningful ways.

Visiting the Site Today:

While you can no longer purchase bulbs directly from Van Lierop Bulb Farm, you can:

• Visit Farm 12: Experience the restaurant and event space operated by Step By Step at the former farm location. This offers a tangible connection to the land’s history. You can likely find information about Farm 12’s hours and offerings online.
• Reflect on the Legacy: As you drive through the Puyallup Valley in the spring, remember the decades of beauty that Van Lierop Bulb Farm brought to the region.

The story of Van Lierop Bulb Farm is a poignant reminder of the ebb and flow of agricultural landscapes and the enduring connection between families, the land, and the community. While the blooms may have faded, the legacy of beauty and the spirit of the land continue in a new and evolving form at Farm 12.